Reflections from Torch Trust: Recent Episodes
Reflections from Torch Trust
A Christian organisation with a worldwide vision for people with sight loss.
We produce a weekly radio programme called Reflections. Airing on RNIB Insight Radio, the show focuses on faith and disability in today's world.
The show is available on Soundcloud as a monthly podcast, featuring all episodes from that month.
Inspired by our series on artificial intelligence, audio production coordinator James Brookman gives us us an insight into the AI voices behind some of the Torch audiobooks and how he tests their quality. He also reflects on how AI can never know and love us the way God can. And though it’s nice to always be validated by AI, it’s important for our growth to be challenged by God.To contact Torch Trust with any comments or feedback, call 01858 438260 email info@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org.
In the sixth and final episode of our series focusing on AI, we thought it was time for the AI to take the microphone, so Linn Davies sat down to interview Chat GPT. They discuss why AI makes up things that isn’t true, ways to use AI creatively, and whether AI can ever replace humans.To contact Torch Trust with any comments or feedback, call 01858 438260 email info@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org.
In the fifth episode of our series on AI, we speak to Richard Powell who works with technology and rehabilitation for the disability charity Henshaw’s in Greater Manchester. He shares how AI has changed what rehabilitation looks like, and some fascinating examples of how his clients are using AI to better advocate for themselves, as well as discovering new hobbies.To contact Torch Trust with any comments or feedback, call 01858 438260 email info@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org.
In part four of our series on AI, we sit down to talk to Reverend Canon Tim Bull about AI in a Christian context. He shares how AI has been adopted by the church, his thoughts on AI verses human creativity and on whether Jesus would use AI if he was here today?To contact Torch Trust with any comments or feedback, call 01858 438260 email info@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org.
This week we continue the conversation between Hayley Boston and Linn Davies about more ways AI is assisting them in their daily lives, as well as some of their future speculations on how AI might evolve in the future.To contact Torch Trust with any comments or feedback, call 01858 438260 email info@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org.
In the second instalment of our AI Series, Linn Davies is in conversation with Hayley Boston. They’re both blind from birth and share how they use AI in some surprisingly practical ways.
In the first episode of our six part Series on artificial intelligence, we hear from AI expert Mary Kemp. Mary breaks down the different types of AI, and shares the various ways AI is being used today as well as some future potential uses.To contact Torch Trust with any comments or feedback, call 01858 438260 email info@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org.
Today Autism and neurodiversity is something we're getting a much better understanding of, though, if you've met one Autistic person, you've only met one. When author Robert Noble was growing up in the 50s and 60s however, his conditions were not well understood, landing him in a variety of different situations from the funny to the frustrating. In this episode, Robert talks about his book, I'm Autistic, get me out of here! and what it was like growing up Autistic and with a Christian faith. He also talks about his passion for music and his work with street children in Kenya. The sale of his book will go towards this work.To learn more about his work, visit neemasociety.com.To contact Torch Trust with any comments or feedback, call 01858 438260 email info@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org.
This week, we’re sitting down to speak with Revd Canon Michael Mitton, writer, speaker and director, who is going to lead the upcoming 2025 Torch Retreat. We talk about how he got into writing, and dig deeper into the subject of God through the four Seasons, which he will be talking about at the retreat.
Angels appear frequently in the Bible, and many of us probably have an idea of what angels might look, feel or sound like. This episode features an interview with Stephanie Sergeant, who shares the many ways she believes angels have come to her aid. Marilyn also shares a remarkable angel encounter of her own.
This week we’ll hear from Torch Churches Partnership Coordinator Vicki Bryson about some of the events Torch has participated in recently. This episode also features a devotion by Zoe Byron, Torch’s head of comms, which was first featured on Pure 24 7 breakfast bites.
Sight Loss Sunday is an annual event in which Torch is encouraging churches to focus on blind and partially sighted people and their gifts and presence in church life. This year’s Sight Loss Sunday takes place 12 October. In this episode, we first speak to Torch CEO Sarah Dawkins about how her awareness has evolved regarding issues blind and partially sighted people face since she started working for Torch. We then speak to Torch’s Churches Partnership Coordinator Vicki Bryson, who brings some practical steps both church leaders and blind and partially sighted people can take to ensure better inclusion and fuller participation in church life.To contact Torch Trust with any comments or feedback, call 01858 438260 email info@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org.
This week, Marilyn chats with author and friend Tracy Williamson about her book 'Unashamed', which is a powerful exploration of how we can experience restoration from life’s hurts with God’s help.
This week Marilyn Baker sits down to talk to Reflections producer Linn Davies-who is a trained journalist, Afrobeats singer and writer. Linn talks about working for the BBC, growing an online platform, writing thrillers and the inspiration behind the featured songs.
Accessible Christian literature remains at the heart of Torch's mission. And this week we meet the new resources curator, Janette Sturgis, whose working on expanding our library and bookshop offerings. She talks about her love of working in retail, her evolving understanding of disabilities, and shares details about some new discipleship books which she's particularly excited about.
In this Pentecost Sunday episode, we dive deeper into the events of the first Pentecost, also dubbed The Church’s birthday. We will explore everything from bible readings and reflections to a fictional account of what it might have been like to be there when the holy spirit descended on the disciples.
In this ascension day episode,, we hear a reflection from Torch’s Church Partnership Coordinator and ordained priest Vicki Bryson about the significance of the ascension on how we live life on earth today. We also hear from Revd Canon Jean Kerr about some new resources for the 10th anniversary of Thy Kingdom Come.
As Foster Care Fortnight draws to a close, we’re chatting to Dr Krish Kandiah, the founder of the Christian organisation ‘Home For Good', a charity dedicated to finding a home for every child who needs one.' Krish is a also a Foster Carer, as well as being a government advisor, and his insight into this area is second to none.To contact Torch Trust with any comments or feedback, call 01858 438260, email info@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org.
This week Reflections talks to Nayoung Lee, a clarinettist from South Korea who now lives in the UK. Nayoung shares her experiences of school and church life growing up, why she chose to come to the UK and how climbing mountains made her appreciate life and God in new ways.
Tony Brown has been acting Chair of Trustees for Torch for some time now. And in this episode, we get to know the man behind the role. He talks about how he got involved with Torch and shares some highlights of his recent cruise along the west coast of Africa.
Torch started out as a charity with the mission of providing blind and partially sighted people with accessible Christian literature and this is still at the heart of Torch’s work. In this episode, we’re going to hear what happens behind the scenes in the production department, whether it is Braille, giant print or audio.
This week we hear from the Archdeacon of Sefton and Knowsley, Rev Pete Spiers, who chats about his disability, identity, and reflects on his love of God, finding faith and the Easter story too. To contact Torch Trust with any comments or feedback, call 01858 438260 email info@torchtrust.org or visit torchtrust.org.
We hear once more from preacher and author Kate Nicholas, who continue to share her journey with God, writing and cancer.
Preacher and author Kate Nicholas takes us on her unusual route to finding God, and shares the journey that she’s been on with cancer.
Freelance Theology of Mental Health Specialist, Rachael Newham, talks about how she’s been helping churches, her books and specialist degree.
Freelance Theology of Mental Health Specialist, Rachael Newham, shares her incredibly candid, powerful and honest journey of living with mental illness and God.
Join us as we mark and celebrate Sight Loss Sunday 2024 with a special church at home service
Sarah Dawkins, CEO of the Torch Trust looks ahead to 2024’s Sight Loss Sunday with Marilyn Baker and shares just why it’s so important.
Disability Awareness Sunday, organised by Christian charity Through The Roof, share how they are helping churches to become more disability aware.
We hear from online support network YouBelong to find out how they are supporting Christians living with chronic illness and disability.
British Paralympian Kare Adenegan takes some time out at Paris 2024 to talk to us about her life in sport and with God.
Rev Augustine Tanner-Ihm shares what life was like growing up in Chicago, and how living with borderline personality disorder, dyslexia and dyspraxia have all impacted his faith.
This week on Reflections with Marilyn Baker, we hear from the Reverend Shuna Body MBE, who wears a multitude of hats in her day to day life: she’s a vicar in Kent, works for the fire service, a school governor, chair of a charity, is married to a sheep farmer, she’s a fencing coach, a trustee for Wheel Power and has attended many Paralympic games in her role within sport. We hear about her life in fencing and find out how God plays His part too.
This week on Reflections Marilyn is in conversation with Craig Spence from the International Paralympic Committee ahead of this year's games in Paris talking about how the Paralympics have become one of the world’s largest sporting events, diversity and inclusion, what we can expect in 2024, and some of the positives and difficulties that surround the games too.
This week on Reflections Marilyn Baker is joined by Torch Trust’s Sheila Armstrong to chat about Sight Village Central 2024 that took place recently in Birmingham, an exhibition which offers a unique opportunity to discuss and engage with new innovations and technology for people living with any degree of sight loss.
How do you get on with getting out and about with sight loss? Hazel Dudley is a Liverpool football fan and regularly travels to games - she shares her experiences with me about her travels, enjoying sport as a fan, and the importance of Jesus in her life too.
Dave Clarke OBE is a former England and Great Britain Blind Footballer who captained sides during his 144 appearances for his country and also scored 128 goals. He has been entered into the English Football Hall of Fame for his achievements and is now the Chief Executive of the British Paralympic Association and Paralympics GB .Dave is chatting to Torch Trusts’ Sheila Armstrong about the recent Euro's, England and Gareth Southgate, this years Paralympic games in Paris and about the future of E-Sports and Paralympic sports too.
With the Olympics getting underway very soon, we’re this week thinking about the Christian Missionary Eric Liddell, the famous Scottish athlete and devout Christian who during the 1924 Olympic games in Paris dropped out of the 100-metres run —his strongest event—because the qualifying heats were scheduled for a Sunday. Joining us to chat about Eric Liddell is John MacMillan, the CEO of the Eric Liddell Community in Edinburgh, a care charity and community hub founded in 1980 in memory of the inspirational Olympic gold medallist.
This week on Reflections we’re hearing from another sporting voice - in fact, in the United States he’s got a notable standing as a national champion blind bowler, securing a top-10 national ranking! He’s also a drummer, and a marriage minister that seeks to help couples bring God into the centre of their marriages. His name is John Helton and is the man behind the Blind Fury ministries.
On Reflections this week we’re turning our attention to the tennis fortnight that’s now underway at Wimbledon and hearing from Carolyn Skinner of Third Space Ministries, a charity that supports the fans trying to get into the ground with a friendly smile, eye masks, and the love of God!
This week on Reflections is the second part of our inspiring special with Penny Melville-Brown OBE, a former Royal Navy Commander who lost her sight during her time serving in the Navy. But after losing her sight, she didn’t give up on life - she turned her hand to helping those with disabilities get back into work, has worked for the government and even ended up going around the globe talking about her other passion, baking!
This week on Reflections is the first of a 2 part inspiring special chatting with Penny Melville-Brown OBE, a former Royal Navy Commander who lost her sight during her time serving in the Navy. But after losing her sight, she didn’t give up on life - she turned her hand to helping those with disabilities get back into work, has worked for the government and even ended up going around the globe talking about her other passion, baking! In part one Penny is chatting with Torch Trust’s Sheila Armstrong about her life in the Royal Navy and sight loss.
Sunday 16th of June, marks Father's Day in the UK– a day where we pay tribute to dads and the roles they play in shaping our lives. The day however also brings with it hurt for some and we’ll be looking at the highs and lows of what Father's Day is about with the singer turned broadcaster, Reverend Cindy Kent, who helps us to think about not just the role of our earthly fathers, but finding love and hope in God the father too.
Monday 10th of June, marks the start of National Carer’s Week. It’s a time to reflect on and appreciate the people across the UK who do such amazing work caring for others. Here on Reflections we’ve spoken to lots of people about the different forms caring takes and what it involves so today’s show is a little bit of a showcase of some of our favourite caring-related interviews from previous years.
Today we’re talking about loneliness – something that everyone has most likely felt at one time or another. To mark the upcoming Loneliness Awareness Week, we're chatting with Lucy from Marmalade Trust and exploring some wonderful resources that might be able to help.
At the start of this year, Torch Trust had a change in leadership and we were joined by a brand new CEO. Her name is Sarah Dawkins and now that she’s nearly six months in to the role, we wanted to hear how she was finding it. Our producer Grace caught up with Sarah to learn all about her life, her faith and her vision for Torch…
On today's show we're observing and exploring Pentecost, the day that the Holy Spirit descended on Mary and the Apostles, with some lovely reflective pieces...
Torch's accessible lending library is one of our most popular and long-running services and we recently discovered that one person has borrowed nearly 1000 braille and audio books from us! We caught up with Patricia to find out more about her life, experience of sight loss, faith and love of reading…
Global prayer movement, Thy Kingdom Come, invites Christians around the world to pray for more people to come to know Jesus. It starts on the 9th of May and runs until the 19th and we spoke to organiser Jean Kerr to find out more, and to learn how their resources are being made accessible...
Scripture Union have been running Christian holidays for many years and this year they’re launching a new holiday called Families Inc which is aimed at younger children with additional needs. We thought it sounded marvellous so we spoke with Helen Vinter to learn more...
More and more places are starting to offer tactile tours so that blind or partially sighted people can really get a feel for a building or venue. We think these tours can be such a great way to get to know somewhere without needing to see it, so we joined Kate Risdon for a tactile tour of Peterborough Cathedral...
Today's episode is all about the joys of holidays and we're exploring some of the lovely Christian holidays that Torch runs for blind and partially sighted people!
On this week's episode, we're shaking off the cobwebs and focusing on fitness for spring. How can people with disabilities best find ways to get fit that work for them? Join us as we explore this topic!
Join us on this very special day as we celebrate the Resurrection with an uplifting show featuring a brand new retelling of the Easter story from the points of view of some characters we don't usually hear very much about...
Join us for the start of Holy Week as we explore the events of Palm Sunday and the traditions of Maundy Thursday, all in advance of our special extra long Easter Sunday show coming soon!
We're halfway through March and Spring is well and truly in the air so join us on the Reflections podcast for a lovely spiritually uplifting episode celebrating new life and all that that entails...
This week on the Reflections podcast, we're celebrating Mother’s Day by taking a special look at some of the mothers in the Bible!
Braille Bibles give blind people around the world the opportunity to read the word of God for themselves. But, just as important as having a Bible in a format you can read, is having it in a language you understand! Jake Kyle from Compass Braille joins us in this episode to explore this fascinating topic...
Fellowship has been an important part of Christianity right since the beginning but for some people it can be very difficult to find community: they may be isolated, unable to get to church or they may feel unwelcome even if they can get there. Well, the Disabled Christians Fellowship have a mission to help people with disabilities enjoy faith and fellowship together...
Join us for an uplifting and moving chat with author Tracy Williamson about her new book: Unashamed!
Continuing from last week's episode, we're focusing on two more aspects of encountering Jesus as Christians, led by Bible studies from Torch CEO Tim Jeffrey, and Rev Chich Hewitt who has sight loss and is a long time friend of Torch. Catch up on last week's episode on our SoundCloud page.
On this week's episode we're celebrating blind and partially sighted Christian athletes Sarah Leiter and Janice Tillet. Sarah will be representing Team GB in goalball at the IBSA World Games between the 20th and 27th August. To follow the games go to: https://www.ibsagames2023.co.uk/
This week we're exploring IBSA World Games with a great chat with Alaina McGregor, the CEO of British Blind Sport before the games begin on Friday 18th!
To find out more about the games, including how to get tickets and follow the events, visit: https://www.ibsagames2023.co.uk/
On this week's Reflections, Sue Richards shares her and husband John's beautiful story of love, faith, sight loss, and running a Torch fellowship group in Milton Keynes for an amazing 30 years - and counting!
On this week's episode, Suzie James catches up with author, priest and retreat leader Michael Mitton for a great chat about encountering Jesus, and the retreat Michael will be leading at Torch House this October...
We're joined by Gayle Ann and Carole, two Torch clients, who are here to tell their personal stories of life with sight loss and faith.
We catch up with Laura Neal who founded the online Christian community YouBelong in response to her own experiences with disability and chronic illness.
On this week's episode, we take a running leap into all things sporty in celebration of the upcoming International Blind Sport Federation World Games which will happen this August in Birmingham. We're joined by Greg Morgan from Christians in Sport and Steve Jones from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes to explore accessibility and faith through the lens of sports!
Find out more about... IBSA: ibsagames2023.co.uk Christians in Sport: christiansinsport.org.uk Fellowship of Christian Athletes: fca.org
On this week's episode, we're joined by Charlotte Carson from LOOK who shares about how this amazing charity is supporting young people with sight loss in a variety of incredible ways!
Find out more about LOOK: https://www.look-uk.org/
This week's Reflections is all about Fathers' Day! In the show we explore God as the Father and his all-encompassing love for each of us, his children, as well as chatting with some visually impaired earthly fathers!
This week's theme is Celebrating Torch Groups, featuring a great chat with David Arthur who runs our Southwark Group along with his wife Sheila. The group has been going strong since 2007 and is a lovely, diverse, welcoming community space...
This week's theme is "Church Family" and we're sharing the story of how Emma Meade, who is blind, experienced a very frightening fire at her home, but has come through the experience with a new outlook on life thanks to the love poured out around her by her church family.
On this week's episode we're celebrating Pentecost and catching up with our lovely book reporter Suzie James who has more wonderful accessible Christian literature to share with us...
This week we're asking 'is seeing really believing?' and we're learning more about two very different people named Thomas: so-called 'Doubting Thomas' and Tom Burditt, one of Torch's newest staff members!
On this week's podcast, we share personal spiritual reflections and life lessons we've learned. Join us to be comforted and uplifted by these tales of love and faith.
On this episode we speak with the lovely Viola Thompson about faith, sight loss and her uplifting new album 'Grateful'. Viola is a real inspiration, and if you'd like to get hold of her album just go to https://beracahmusic.bandcamp.com/album/grateful
On this episode, we're exploring the upcoming coronation of King Charles III, which will be only the second-ever televised British coronation! Tune in for our usual uplifting spiritual content, reflections and thoughts from the Torch team.
Sunday April 23rd was the date of the London Marathon 2023 - and on Reflections, we've been talking to one of the runners! Hazel Groves, long-time friend of Torch, discusses running as a visually impaired person, and how running gives her space to get closer to God. If you'd like to support Hazel as she races for the Kent Association for the Blind, just go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hazel-groveskab
This week we're learning all about Charles Bonnet syndrome, which gives people experiencing it visual hallucinations caused by the brain's adjustment to significant vision loss.For more information about the organisation Esme's Umbrella go to https://charlesbonnetsyndrome.uk/
This week's episode is an extra long one as we celebrate Easter and the hope it brings! Featuring Mercy Ships and some really uplifting reflections, come and celebrate with us.
This week's Reflections podcast is all about the Goodness of God as we reflect on the blessings he brings into our lives and the amazing ways he thinks of us.
We're feeling holiday-ready on Reflections this week and we're focusing on Torch Together 2023! We explore the fantastic Christian holidays and retreats that we have on offer, specially designed for blind and partially sighted people.
This week's Reflections podcast is all about getting our bodies moving - in whatever way works for each of us! We speak with Hazel Groves, a partially sighted friend of Torch about her incredible decision to run the London Marathon this April.Support Hazel at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hazel-groveskab
This week's Reflections podcast is all about St Francis of Assisi and the remarkable life he led! We speak with Tim Jeffery on his personal experiences exploring what St Francis can teach us and we hear a story from the saint's life...
On this week's show we're reflecting on what the time of Lent means for us today. Host Marilyn Baker shares pieces from various authors on this theme, including an extract from Dethroning Mammon by Archbishop Justin Welby.
On this week's podcast, blind singer-songwriter and speaker Marilyn Baker shares some of her own spiritual reflections to bring us all a little peaceful refreshment.
In honour of Valentine's Day on the 14th, we're exploring how weddings can be made more accessible and sight loss friendly with the help of two people who speak from experience: Niall, who got married 5 years ago and is visually impaired, and Linn who got married 4 years ago and is blind.
Linn Davies shares her experience of training and working as a broadcast journalist as a blind person.
On this week's Reflections podcast we're celebrating #NationalStorytellingWeek and we're joined by Suzie James who has the lowdown on the best new books being added to Torch's accessible library & catalogue. Our books are available in formats including braille, large print and audio. Listen now & share in the power of stories with Torch!
This week we're joined by Chich Hewitt, whose story of spiritual calling and sight loss takes us from South Africa to Tennessee to Manchester and includes some innovative uses of assistive technology in ministry...
On this week's podcast, we're exploring the life of George Matheson, a Scottish preacher and hymn writer whose sight loss as a young adult is just one part of his inspiring story...
On Friday 6th January, people around the world marked the Feast of Epiphany, or the Day of the Three Kings. But how do different countries celebrate? We asked friends of Torch to tell us everything, along with enjoying some beautiful spiritual reflection for this time of year...
Join us for our New Year's Special and enjoy Christian fellowship, reflection and celebration! Featuring an interview with Fresh Start, a charity supporting people experiencing homelessness, our top tips on getting fit in the new year, a special message from our CEO, and plenty of spiritual comfort, joy and hope for 2023.
Join us for an extra long festive episode of Reflections as we celebrate the birth of our saviour Jesus Christ! This episode is all about celebrating Christmas and includes a very special retelling of the Nativity written and performed by blind friends of Torch...
This week, Marilyn shares a spiritual reflection in preparation for Christmas and we explore the books 'His Name is Wonderful' and 'Sharing the Christmas Story'! Don't forget, you can tune in to our Christmas Day show which is 1 hour long, on RNIB Radio at 9am and again at 6pm on the 25th!
The third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday: gaudete is Latin for "rejoice" or "joyful" and it's celebrated in some churches as a pause in the pensive period of Advent, a time to really feel joy about the coming of Christ. So, in this episode we focus on joy, with our presenter Marilyn Baker leading a beautiful reflection on the topic...
This week we're joined by Linn Davies to talk about how we pray - is it something we give much thought to or do we just do it automatically? Linn shares all she has learnt about prayer code, a different style of praying, and we celebrate the beginning of Advent with a special thought for the week...
This week on Reflections, we chat with Elena Zini from My Sound Cinema about their amazing new streaming platform which has been specially designed for people who use audio description!
Stir Up Sunday - How to Make the Best Christmas Pudding by Reflections from Torch Trust
This week we're marking Remembrance Sunday, featuring an interview with John Bradshaw who was blinded when attempting to defuse a landmine. You can also listen to our gently devotional 'thought for the week' about Edith Cavell and a reading from 'We Will Remember Them' by Graham Jefferson, which blind and partially sighted people can obtain from Torch completely free.
It may feel early at the start of November, but now is the perfect time to plan your Advent and Christmas reading - and to get your orders in in time! Suzie James joins us on Reflections for a showcase of the best new Christian titles available in braille, large print and audio this festive season!
The clocks have gone back and we've got time on our minds! But what does the Bible tell us about how we use our time? And what's worth giving our time to? Join Marilyn Baker for our exploration of time!
Join us on Reflections as we explore the warm heart of Africa with Tim Jeffery and Paul Wood who recently visited Torch Malawi, our sister branch which supports blind and partially sighted people living in Malawi.
This week we're celebrating Sight Loss Sunday, a joyous day designed to recognise the gifts of people with sight loss and to focus on ensuring our churches and communities are truly welcoming, inclusive and sight loss friendly! Listen now to find out how to get started - it's easy and it's free!
On this week's episode we celebrate all things Braille! Join us for a chat with Nicoletta from Sight Scotland & Sight Scotland Veterans, Marie who is part of Oban Access Panel, and Jim who is part of UKAAF and the Scottish Braille Press. Plus, learn about Torch's braille services and how we can help your church become more accessible!
Stephanie Sergeant joins us to talk about her angelic encounters, Marilyn shares her own story of angel intervention, and we recommend some wonderful books all about angels which are available from the Torch library in accessible formats!
Join us as guest presenter Sheila Armstong and producer Grace Dawson explore navigation and assistance apps & devices designed for people with sight loss including 'LookOut' by Google, 'Microsoft Soundscape' and 'Victor Reader Trek' - can we find our way with these handy inventions?
QAC Sight Village is described as 'the UK's leading exhibition for blind and partially sighted people and for those experiencing sight problems'. Our reporter Sheila was on the ground at their recent Birmingham event and she explores some of the most exciting new products and services showcased there!
This week we explore healing from the perspectives of a variety of people with sight loss. We ask about their experiences with it, how people approach it and how it can sometimes be handled inappropriately...
We're thrilled to have Naomi Lawson Jacobs & Emily Richardson on this week's podcast to talk about their incredible new book At The Gates! It's a must read which centre disabled Christians’ own stories and "calls for churches to move from a care-based approach to disability, to one that is focused on justice, equality and access to churches for disabled Christians." Listen now!
On this week's episode we're giving thanks for the wonderfulness of dogs! International Dog Day takes place on Friday 26th August so we're taking the opportunity to praise God and celebrate all the amazing abilities He has given to our four legged friends, come and join the party now!
This week we bring you the lowdown on 2022's Sight Loss Sunday, day for people to come together celebrating the gifts of blind and partially sighted people, and supporting churches to be places of true welcome and accessibility. Find out how you can get involved and make a difference now...
Stephanie Sergeant's organisation 'Vision Through Sound' is all about supporting blind & partially sighted people to live more independent lives. In this week's show we find out how Stephanie's work in Zambia has evolved in the four years since we originally chatted with her.
This week we revisit a fantastic interview with Stephanie Sergeant about her experiences and work in Zambia. Stephanie, who is blind herself, travelled to the country to find out how she could help and support blind and partially sighted people in Zambia. And tune in next week for our new interview with Stephanie where we find out what's happened over 4 years of work...
On this week's Reflections we speak with Kirsty Smith, CEO of CBM, about one of the biggest issues our world is facing as we explore how climate change relates to Christianity and disability.
This week we're joined by Christian author, broadcaster and speaker Krish Kandiah as he chat with us about he & his wife Miriam's latest book 'Whistlestop Tales: Around the Bible with 10 Extraordinary Children'. The book is an amazing read and the accessible versions are now available from Torch Trust for people with sight loss! Visit torchtrust.org to find out more.
Join us for a very special episode of Reflections as we take a look into the story of St Edfrith. St Edfrith famously created the famous Lindisfarne Gospels, one of the greatest examples of Celtic artwork in existence, but what else might the saint have to share with us? Listen and find out...
On this week's episode, we're getting to know our lovely presenter, Marilyn Baker, a little better as Torch CEO Tim interviews the singer-songwriter about her life so far!
On this week's episode we focus on disability and inclusion in the church by taking a look at what our local church network is doing! Leicester Church of England Disability Advisor Emily Williams shares all about her work!
In this week's episode, we chat with Mark Brooke Smith about how losing his sight has not stopped him throwing himself into all that life has to offer. Come with us on a journey taking in cold water swimming, National Service, talking books, a beautiful testimony and much, much more...
On this week's podcast, we're marking Loneliness Awareness Week, a time for people to share their experiences of loneliness, destigmatise this natural emotion and explore ways to manage the feeling. Featuring interviews with The Marmalade Trust & The Daily Hope.
This week we've got a double celebration going on as we mark both the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and the Day of Pentecost! Join us as we explore the Queen's own Christian faith, and we discover the story of what happened at Pentecost...
On this week's Reflections we're getting in the holiday spirit and exploring Torch's new range of holidays specially designed for people who are blind and partially sighted. We also continue our guide to smart speakers! To book a holiday go to https://torchtrust.org/torch-together-holidays/
On this week's episode we explore the accessible language programme Makaton and how it can be used in a faith setting with the awesome Becky, Makaton Tutor.
In this week's episode, we spring into fitness with Niall Geddes, a former Paralympic athlete who helps us explore how sports, exercise and fitness can be accessible and inclusive for people who have disabilities...
Join us this Mental Health Awareness Week for the conversation about why mental health matters, why Christians should be talking about it and what counselling can be like. Featuring Kintsugi Hope & Bower House Christian Counselling
This week Marilyn Baker explores how Jesus treated the people who were on the edges of society, the love he showed to them and what we today can learn from this.
This week we're taking a look at the story of St George, England's patron saint. Known to most only as the dragon-slayer of myth, who was the real saint behind the story?
Celebrate Easter with our extra special longer show! We explore the Easter story through Bible extracts and the possible points of view of some of the less-discussed people involved. Hosted by Christian singer-songwriter Marilyn Baker
On this episode, we explore two of the key days in the run up to Easter Sunday - Palm Sunday and Maundy Thursday. What do these days signify and why are they important in the Easter story?
This week we explore the world of Christian and sight loss podcasts - there are plenty out there so join us and find something for you!
This week's Reflections podcasts is jam-packed! We're celebrating Mothers' Day, exploring Lent & saying happy 100th birthday to the Bible Reading Fellowship, aka BRF!
Messy Church from BRF is a fab, fun, fresh expression of church and on this week's Reflections podcast, we'll be exploring how it can work brilliantly for people with additional needs! Listen now for our chat with SEND coordinator Trish Hahn.
Making a will matters - it's a daunting subject but it really doesn't have to be! Listen in this week and explore why it's so important & how you can get it done for free in #FreeWillsAwareness month.
International Women's Day is o Tuesday 8th March, so we've devoted this week's Reflections podcast to celebrating & exploring the roles of women in the church, including a great chat with Rev Zoe Heming!
This week on Reflections we're talking with Debbie Thrower about Anna Chaplaincy, a part of BRF, which offers spiritual support later in life.
On this week's episode, we're chatting with the awesome Pippa Cramer, who was recently awarded an MBE for her work founding The Daily Hope phoneline, a fantastic free resource providing talks, spiritual reflections, beloved hymns, full Church services and even guided exercise! Listen now and find out more...
In this episode, in honour of Valentine's Day, we explore a lockdown wedding & celebrate Jesus' love for us all with Marilyn Baker
In this episode, we'll be enjoying some spiritual refreshment & reflection from singer-songwriter Marilyn Baker
On this week's episode, we hear all about Torch's Operation Pathway initiative, which is offering a completely free audio Bible to anyone in the UK who is losing their sight. Listen to find out more...
On today's podcast we explore a fresh expression of church - Tea at Three! Designed to serve older people who want to enjoy fellowship and community together, inspired by Café Church & Messy Church, this is a great community project run by Rev David Palmer!
On this week's episode we explore the life, works and legacy of John Bunyan, author of the iconic Christian allegory The Pilgrim's Progress. John was also imprisoned for many years for his non-conformist Christian beliefs, and was supported during this time by his beloved blind daughter Mary. Find out more with Reflections...
This week we explore the spiritual & physical benefits of gardening with Rev David Palmer & the Elderberries Community Garden project! The garden is set in the grounds of a care home in Leicestershire and brings together people from all walks of life in their pursuit of learning & growth - both physically and spiritually!
Join us for this special extra long episode to see in the new year! We reflect on 2021 while also looking forward to the year ahead with a very special concert by Christian singer-songwriter Marilyn Baker. Marilyn shares some beautiful spiritual reflections to help us prepare for the year to come...
Join us for our extra long Christmas special where we take a look at the meaning of Christmas, we hear how Christmas is celebrated around the world and we find out how exactly a vicar prepares for one of the most important days of their year...